Back in the driver's seat

As I sat reprogramming radio stations in my car, I remembered the early days of my relationship with Gary, before he was my husband, when he was my friend and I bought him tickets to see Bonnie Raitt in concert for his birthday.

A few months later, our song became "Something to Talk About." When we got married, it became "All I Have." And once Colter came into our lives it was "The Things We've Handed Down." Still, our musical tastes are decades and genders apart. Time and compromise help us bridge the gap.

I was reprogramming the radio stations because I'm reclaiming my car. Last week we bought Gary a used Volvo station wagon to replace his old Toyota, which hasn't run since summer. We finally need two cars again because I'm heading back to work tomorrow.

I'm starting with half-days for a few weeks, in preparation for returning fulltime after New Year's. I'm excited. Nervous. Excited. Nervous. Excited. And nervous.

But mostly I'm so grateful for my good fortune. I'm finally healthy enough to concentrate on something other than when I can next take my medicine; I'm finally healthy enough to sit at the computer, respond to e-mail, write a little, edit a lot. I'm finally healthy enough to drive again.

I'm going from being driven to being driven: energetic, moved, motivated. I'm back in the driver's seat, with a license to live, love, laugh. And listen to whatever music I want.